Adriyan Rae to Appear on Mara Brock Akil’s Netflix Series “Forever”

Adriyan Rae has found her Forever home… 

The part-Venezuelan actress has landed a recurring role on Netflix’s Forever.

Adriyan RaeCreated by Mara Brock Akil, Forever is a reimagining of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles.

Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.

Oscar winner Regina King will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.

Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if she usually does it with a sarcastic sense of humor and blunt direct attitude. Brittany is a loyal support system for Keisha and her mom Shelly, and always brings a sense of fun to wherever she goes —including affectionately calling Keisha ‘Urkel’ due to her book smart nature.

Lovie Simone will star as Keisha Clarke and Michael Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards. Karen Pittman, and Wood Harris round out the cast so far.

Within the television sphere, Rae currently stars as ‘Brittany Pitts’ in Paramount+’s reboot of The Game. Additionally, she recently led the cast of SYFY’s series Vagrant Queen, starred in NBC’s Chicago Fire and Hulu’s horror-thriller series Light As A Feather, and has guest starred on various shows including FX’s Atlanta, BET’s American Soul, and FOX’s musical drama Star, from the producers of Empire.

In film, she has had roles in Sony’s Superfly with Jennifer Morrison, Trevor Jackson and Michael Kenneth Williams, and Netflix’s Burning Sands alongside Alfre Woodard and Trevante Rhodes.

Warner Bros. & Legendary Move Up Release Date of Javier Bardem’s “Dune: Part Two” to March 1

Javier Bardem has been given his March-ing orders for his highly-anticipated film.

Warner Bros. and Legendary have moved up the release of Denis Villenueve’s Dune: Part Two, starring the 54-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actor.

Javier BardemThe second half of the space epic will now open nationwide on March 1.

The new date is two weeks earlier than the March 15 date Warner Bros. set in August when it moved Dune: Part Two out of 2023 amid the Hollywood strikes. The sequel was originally set to open on November 3.

Dune: Part Two is the second chapter in Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal science-fiction novel.

The first film opened simultaneously in theaters and on Max (then known as HBO Max) in November 2021 and grossed $402 million at the worldwide box office. It also earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including best picture, and won the Oscars for original score, sound, film editing, cinematography, production design and visual effects.

In addition to Bardem, Villeneuve’s original Dune cast members Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård and Charlotte Rampling are all back for the second chapter.

Newcomers to the franchise include Christopher Walken, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux.

“I just I loved the first film so much,” Butler previously told Variety about stepping into Villeneuve’s world. “It was this cinematic masterpiece, so the idea of getting to be a part of that world is just incredibly exciting and Denis is one of my favorite filmmakers and just an amazing human being. He’s so kind and I’m a fan of every one of those actors in the film, so I I felt really honored.”

In a recent interview with Empire, Villeneuve shared his hopes for a third installment in the sci-fi epic film series, saying, “If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream.”

On his Dune: Part Three progress, Villeneuve teased, “I will say, there are words on paper.” The project would be based on Dune Messiah, the direct sequel to Dune author Frank Herbert’s 1965 original novel.

The official Dune: Part Two synopsis from Warner Bros. and Legendary reads: “This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”

Andre Royo to Appear on Gloria Caldéron Kellett’s Rom-Com Series “With Love”

Andre Royo has some new love

The Afro-Cuban actor has joined the cast of With Love, Amazon’s one-hour romantic comedy series from Gloria Caldéron Kellett, GloNation Studios and Amazon Studios.

Andre Royo

The series stars Emeraude Toubia and Mark Indelicato.

Created and written by Kellett, With Love follows the Diaz siblings, Lily (Toubia) and Jorge (Indelicato), who are on a mission to find love and purpose. The Diaz siblings cross paths with seemingly unrelated residents during some of the most heightened days of the year — the holidays.

Royo joins the series in a recurring role and will appear as Santiago’s (Rome Flynn) father, Laz Zayas. He is a proud Afro-Cuban man. He runs a furniture building company with his son and is a master woodworker. He is hardworking, devoted to his family, but has been hiding a secret.

The With Love cast also features Isis King, Todd Grinnell, Desmond Chiam, Constance Marie, Benito Martinez and Vincent Rodriguez III.

All episodes will be written and executive produced by Kellett. The pilot episode will be directed and executive produced by Meera MenonWith Love is produced by Kellett’s production company, GloNation and Amazon Studios.

Royo can be seen in Season 2 of Apple’s Truth Be Told opposite Octavia Spencer. He can also be seen acting alongside Peter Skarsgard in CBS All Access’ Interrogation. Additional credits include Fox’s Empire, Amazon’s Hand of GodHunter GathererBeautiful Boy, Happyish, In Security and Fringe.

Adam Rodriguez to Serve as a Mentor & Executive-Producer on HBO Max’s “The Real Magic Mike!” Competition Series

Life is about to imitate art for Adam Rodriguez

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban-American actor and former Magic Mike star will be returning to the world of male strippers as he joinsThe Real Magic Mike! (working title), HBO Max’s upcoming unscripted competition series.

Adam Rodriguez

Rodriguez, who played Tito in the 2012 film and 2015 sequel, has joined the project as a mentor and executive producer.

The series, from the producers behind the Magic Mike franchise and live shows, begins production next month in Las Vegas and is set to debut on HBO Max later this year. Channing Tatum, who starred in the titular role in both Magic Mike films, and director Steven Soderbergh, are among the series’ executive producers.

The competition series will transform a group of men into real-life Magic Mikes. Ten men who have “lost their magic” will come together, baring their souls and more as they learn to perform routines with one being crowned the Real Magic Mike. The winner will pocket a cash prize and an opportunity to perform on the Magic Mike Live stage in Las Vegas.

The Real Magic Mike! (wt) is produced by Eureka Productions and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon.

In addition to his role as Tito in both Magic Mike feature films, Rodriguez starred as Eric Delko in CSI: Miami and as Luke Alvez in Criminal Minds.

His other recent television credits include Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Jane the Virgin and Empire, among others.

Juan Antonio Signs with Untitled Entertainment for Management

Juan Antonio is under new management… 

The Afro-Latino actor has signed with Untitled Entertainment for management.

Juan Antonio

Antonio is currently filming the first season of BET+’s upcoming series Sacrifice, adapted from the 2019 BET+ film in which he starred. Antonio reprises his role of Dom Mayfield, opposite Paula Patton, in the series.

On the film side, Antonio most recently appeared in Good Joe Bell, starring Mark Wahlberg and Connie Britton. He also recently recurred as Marcus on Freeform’s Good Trouble and played Phillip on the third season of Fox’s Empire.

In addition to the film and TV projects he has in the works, Antonio’s upcoming focus will be in the production arena. His Umbrella Z production company is currently creating and pitching content, as well as continuing to curate original music for special projects, including for the BET+ series Sacrifice.

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira Rock the Super Bowl with Their Epic & Latin Proud Halftime Show

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are celebrating an epic night at Hard Rock Stadiumin Miami.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and the 43-year-old Colombian superstar teamed up for an electrifying Super Bowl halftime show.

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez

J.Loand Shakimade history at Super Bowl LIVon Sunday as the first two Latina women to co-headline the coveted halftime show gig, and they each brought their unique styles to a worldwide audience, performing a combined 20 songs in 14 minutes. (Gloria Estefanwas part of the 1992 and 1999 halftime shows, and sent her support for Lopez and Shakira, both of whom she has written songs for.)

Shakira kicked things off with her hit “She Wolf,” then seamlessly transitioned into her track “Empire,” where she showcased her ability to shred on the guitar.

After a brief dance interlude, Shakira — who rocked a sparkly red two-piece — broke into “Whenever, Wherever” and a cover of Cardi B’s “I Like It,” with an assist from Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer Bad Bunny, who appears on the original singer.

Shaki, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Super Bowl Sunday, then showed off her dancing skills once again before singing “Hips Don’t Lie,” during which she crowd-surfed atop a group of enthusiastic fans.

Then, Lopez took over the program, taking the stage atop a skyscraper-like pole for a high-energy performance of “Jenny from the Block” and “Ain’t It Funny,” and then transitioned into “Get Right.”

After shedding her studded black leather bodysuit for a sparkly silver one, Lopez showed off her Hustlersmoves own on a stripper pole, while singing “Waiting for Tonight.”

J.Lo was then joined by J. Balvin, who assisted her on “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”

Lopez continued to flaunt her moves to “Mi Gente” before moving on to a high-octane version of “On the Floor.”

The performance then transformed into a family affair as Lopez brought out her 11-year-old daughter Emme, who hit the stage singing a slowed-down rendition of “Let’s Get Loud” — with Shakira on drums — before her mom came back out wearing a large jacket made of feathers that featured the American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other. It was a show of support to the territory, which has been affected by natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricane Maria and a recent damaging earthquake.

Emme briefly sang Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” while the set design featured glowing cages housing child performers, a marked gesture of solidarity toward the Latin community and those impacted by anti-immigration policies.

Then Shakira joined Lopez to sing “Let’s Get Loud” together.

The duo then moved on to Shakira’s hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” before switching back to “Let’s Get Loud,” at which point they closed out their set with impressive synchronized shimmiesas fireworks went off behind them, before wrapping their historic performance with a hug.

Scotty Tovar Lands Recurring Role on Fox’s “Empire”

Scotty Tovar is exploring anEmpire

The Latino actor has signed on for a recurring role on Fox’s hit musical family drama Empire.

Scotty Tovar

Tovar will portray Carlito, a young rap star on the rise, who believes he’s the savior of hip-hop and acts as such.

Empire, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong and starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, hails from Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television.

Tovar recently guest-starred on Amazon’s Too Old To Die Young and Animal Kingdom and he recurred on Freeform’s The Fosters.

Jamila Velazquez to Star in the Dramatic Thriller “John Henry”

Jamila Velazquez is in for a thrill

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican, Dominican and Ecuadorian American actress has joined the cast of John Henry, a dramatic thriller from first-time film director Will Forbes.

Jamila Velazquez

Described as a modern retelling of the folklore, the plot, co-written by Forbes and Doug Skinner, follows John Henry (Terry Crews), a man who has traded violence for a peaceful life in South Los Angeles. But when he meets two immigrant kids running from the leader of his former gang (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges), Henry must decide whether to revisit his troubled past in order to give them a future.

In addition to Crews, Bridges and Velazquez, best known for her television roles on Twisted and Empire, the film will also star Ken Foree, Tyler Alvarez, and JJ Soria.

The indie is being produced by Defiant StudiosEric B. Fleischman, Automatik’s Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Kodiak’s Maurice Fadida.

ABC to Release “The Goldbergs” Mixtape, Featuring Six Hayley Orrantia Tracks

Hayley Orrantia is back behind the microphone…

After five seasons on the air, ABC‘s The Goldbergs, starring the 23-year-old part-Mexican American actress/singer, will finally have a soundtrack.

Hayley Orrantia

The Goldbergs “Mixtape” will feature 14 tracks, including five classic ’80s songs that Orrantia, who portrays Erica, has covered, including Cyndi Lauper‘s “True Colors” and Katrina & the Waves‘ “Walking on Sunshine,” performed with AJ Michalka.

The other nine tracks on the album, which is being released by Madison Gate Records, are original songs written specifically for Adam F. Goldberg‘s 1980-something semi-autobiographical comedy and include “Love Ninja,” with Orrantia and Troy Gentile (Barry).

The Goldbergs, produced by Sony Pictures Television, has featured a number of original songs on the series as Erica has an interest in becoming a singer-songwriter, while Barry has dreams of becoming a famous rapper via his “alter-ego” Big Tasty. Many television shows like Empire, Glee and Nashville have turned to producing soundtracks featuring their original music as a form of earning ancillary revenue.

Orrantia rose to acclaim as a member of Lakoda Rayne, a country-pop girl group assembled by Paula Abdul during the first season of The X Factor. During her teen years, she sang background vocals for Demi Lovato on Disney‘s Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam soundtrack and background vocals for Miley Cyrus on Disney’s Hannah Montana Forever soundtrack.

Here’s a look at the track list:

  1. “Rewind” (The Goldbergs Main Title Theme) — I Fight Dragons
  2. “Love Ninja” — Hayley Orrantia & Troy Gentile
  3. “D&D” — Kurtis Blow
  4. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” — Hayley Orrantia
  5. “Bad Boy Good Guy” — Troy Gentile
  6. “True Colors” — Hayley Orrantia
  7. “Ferris Wheel” — Troy Gentile
  8. “Tom Sawyer” — Hayley Orrantia & AJ Michalka
  9. “He’s the Man” — Troy Gentile (feat. Hayley Orrantia, AJ Michalka & Sam Lerner)
  10. “Eternal Flame” — Hayley Orrantia & AJ Michalka
  11. “Judah Macabee” — Troy Gentile (feat. Sean Giambrone, Sam Lerner, Noah Munck, Matt Bush)
  12. “Barry Goldberg: A Rap Story” — Anthony Petix
  13. “Walking On Sunshine” — Hayley Orrantia & AJ Michalka
  14. “Dads Just Don’t Care” — Troy Gentile

The Goldbergs “Mixtape is available for pre-order on digital platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and more. The Goldbergs album costs $8.99.

Longoria to Star in Fox’s Workplace Comedy Pilot “Type-A”

Eva Longoria is being Type(- A) cast…

The 42-year-old Mexican American actress and former Desperate Housewives star will play the lead in Type-AFox’s single-camera workplace comedy pilot from the Life in Pieces duo of executive producer Jason Winer and writer-producer Lesley Wake-Webster.

Eva Longoria

Written by Wake-Webster and loosely based on the book Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James, Type-A — in the vein of Up in the Air — is an office comedy about a group of consultants hand-picked to do the dirty work most professionals can’t handle: layoffs, downsizing, generally delivering horrible news. To everyone else, they’re the enemy – to one another, they’re family.

Longoria will play Axler, the ambitious, brutally honest consultant who is at war with her inner “nice girl.”

Winer is directing as well as executive producing with Wake-Webster, while James serves as consultant for 20th Century Fox Television.

Fox and 20th have been high on Longoria, courting her for multiple projects. She also is set for a high-profile guest-starring turn this spring on the Fox flagship drama series Empire, playing Charlotte Frost, the formidable director of the Nevada Gaming Commission who has the power to make or break Lucious’ (Terrence Howard) dreams of expanding Empire’s reach to Las Vegas.

Through her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, Longoria executive produced the Lifetime series Devious Maids and NBC comedy Telenovela, in which she also starred.

Longoria next stars opposite Demian Bichir in the feature Lowriders and is featured in the British miniseries Decline and Fall opposite Jack Whitehall, which premieres in the spring. She recently directed an episode of the CW’s Jane the Virgin and is set to direct an episode of ABC’s Black-ish.